Japanese Cousin Coming to USA
 

Hi, Fodorites.

I've done a little googling, but not getting too far. I'm hoping someone may have experience with this, but my young Japanese cousin (a college student) is coming to California next month. He's wondering about a few things:

1. Credit Card/Cash: I am going to tell him to use a credit card/Apple Pay for most transactions in the US, but if they want a little cash (I think for a smallish sense of security), I assume they can use an ATM card just as we do in Japan. Any thing I'm not thinking of?
2. Wi-fi/Sim Card: They asked about a pocket wi-fi in the US and Sim cards, and if better to get in Tokyo or in the US. I think eSim may be best, or a SIM. Hopefully they can get in Tokyo before coming here. Anyone aware of any US carriers that offer pocket wifis...?

I expect he's doing much of his own research, which should give him the answers he needs, but wanted to check here if anyone has any recommendations.

Also, he's a college kid, coming with another college kid, to California for 2 weeks. Any tips for them they may not be thinking of?

Thank you in advance for any thoughts on this.

I would assume getting one in US would be much cheaper, even prepaid phone or something. In Japan, internet is quite expensive comparing to other countries. For how long is he visiting?

He is coming for 2 weeks. It seems an eSim before he leaves Japan would be the easiest route for him. He's a college kid in Tokyo, so he has plenty of opportunity to figure this out. But yes, I expect you're right that it would be cheaper if he waited. He doesn't speak any English, though, so he'll be using his google translator or something here.

As for an ATM, I've heard over on tripadvisor that Japanese bank ATM cards don't work in US bank ATMs. That is surprising to me if true. My bank atm card allows me to get local currency in Europe and Japan with no trouble. That's too bad. So the father is asking where the better currency exchange would be. I told him we don't use much cash here, so maybe just get a small amount for 2 weeks in Japan (just for piece of mind), and use credit card for everything (if he has credit card with No Foreign Transaction Fees).

Interesting indeed, I would never thought of that. My close friend is Japanese, and she was several times in US, work trips. She's away now for couple of days, but I will try to ask her for advice, what's the best way to go around. I, personally have never been to US, but lived for several years in Canada, and so I'm sure it's quite the same, even assuming in US it's easier with things than in Canada. I know in Canada, on gas stations, people could buy prepaid visa cards, so now it comes to my mind as a sort of solution for the problem. Once I hear from my friend I will add here what she recommends.

Just a thought but you may be better asking your questions in the USA forum?

Seems like a great advice!

Anyway, I also checked with my friend, so when it comes to credit cards, he should have no problems if its Visa or Mastercard, but if it's JCB? Or something like that, one of the biggest banks in Japan, he might have some problems. When it comes to eSIM, my friend's company usually purchased for her one in Japan if was needed during travels, and if he doesn't speak English well, it might be the best call. Hustle free!

Thank you for all the information. Now, his big issue is dealing with the California weather this week. He arrives later this week. Could be a literal wash out for the poor kid.